In an apparent reference to the criticisms of the PMK leader, the Chief Minister said the delays in implementing various welfare schemes and taking up projects were only due to the elaborate formalities to be followed.

The Government had to adopt a cautious approach to avoid anything going wrong, he added.

In a missive to party cadres, Mr Karunanidhi gave a detailed account of the schemes launched by the Government and steps taken to improve medical infrastructure like appointment of 3,000 doctors, elevating 1,400 doctors from consolidated pay to time scale pay, filling up 10,000 paramedical staff vacancies in primary health centres, appointment of 2,400 nurses, upgrading hospitals and providing sophisticated equipment.

He said the Government was taking all steps to upgrade the Salem Government Medical College Hospital to super speciality hospital status on par with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi with a total investment of Rs 120 crore.